What if symptoms of pharyngitis is present but the throat culture is negative for streptococcus?

Question

Symptoms for a 9year old include fever, sore throat, and abdominal pain. There is also swollen tonsils covered in white exudates, and fine red lesions on roof of mouth, the child also has upper cervical lymphadenitis but no cough or runny nose.

Answer 1

fever of more than 101.5, severe pain in the throat or the lymph nodes, abscence of cough are some of the things that highly suggest strep even if the cultures are negative. what you have decribed aounds concerning enough that most doctors would probably prescribe emperic antibiotics. The decision is clinical, for your doctor, consult again if symptoms are persisting or worsening or if new symptoms develope. Remember that you have a right to a second opinion if you are not in agreement with the doctor, this does not mean that the first doctor is wrong, good luck